Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK2 DJ Controller

Product Information

The “1” button doesn’t need to be engaged for the FX to work; they are permanently controlled by the dry/wet and value adjustments and are depicted on the X/Y pad, which can be overridden with touch control of the screen, Kaos Pad style. Push the loop encoder and your track starts looping at the indicated beat length, but when you push the move encoder, you enter the loop slice mode, and things get interesting. Now with iOS compatibility (for which it is over specified) and the same smart new jogwheels as sported on the S2, this is the direct replacement for the original S4. This would leave the booth speakers connected to the RCA outputs; with their level controlled via the more conveniently located “master” volume knob on the front panel of the controller. When button “2” is engaged, a less enthralling EQ window slides into view which seems to just show the current values delegated by the controller, none of which are controllable by the screen; however, by tapping the Filter tab, you get an X/Y grid for the filter controls and you can have great fun using a combination of finger on the screen and knob rotations on the controller, to let rip with the filter.

DJ Controllers : Traktor Kontrol S4 : Downloads | Traktor

Holding shift allows you to scroll through folders, and all works well; hit “load” on either deck and in it pops. This may not work for everyone but makes some sense – whether Native Instruments intended this to be ideal is unclear! The Stems audio format splits tracks into four musical components, such as drums, bass, vocals, and melody, so you can mix them independently. This playability is especially relevant when you take control of the loop slice mode in Traktor DJ with your iPad or iPhone and start to use these buttons to chop up tracks – they are so much better than before.See waveform, looping, key, and BPM information, track title, remaining track time, Stems, and Remix deck samples. The integration is incredible, and there’s only a hint of “squelchiness” when sounds are manipulated at super-slow speeds. There’s plenty of room for developing your very own setup, with a club-grade, 24-bit / 96-kHz audio interface that always keeps you sounding pristine. The new RGB buttons for the transport and cue controls are a huge improvement on the Mk1, with a smooth rubberised “MPC” feel to the surface (and the elimination of the previous problem of the buttons getting stuck in the down position, getting caught on the edge of the button aperture when pressed hard).

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk2 Controller Review

So if you’re considering this as your first Traktor controller, or perhaps stepping up to it from from an S2, then go for it. The only slight niggle is that when compared to scratching using Traktor Pro 2, you need a much firmer hand here, to ensure the app stays in scratch mode.The on-board 24-bit / 96-kHz audio interface makes the TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 the core of your setup: 2 x phono / line inputs, 2 x line inputs, 2 x main outputs (RCA / XLR), TRS booth output and 1/8 / 1/4 headphone outputs, 2 x mic inputs, 2 USB ports and DVS support. This daylight-dimness is more than made up for by the spaceship-meets-70s dancefloor appearance you get in the dark, which combined with the new aluminium jogwheel tops gives a really attractive look.